T Ashraf
Business Development Manager
The New India Assurance Co. Ltd
Several Keralites have made their mark in the Insurance industry in the Sultanate of Oman by their dedication, vision and hard work. Among the league of luminaries in this segment is T Ashraf, who serves as the Business Development Manager of The New India Assurance Co. Ltd in Salalah. Armed with more than four decades of experience, Ashraf was able to make a name for himself in the insurance sector and contribute to the growth of the company in more ways than one.
A Journey That Began in Thalassery
Ashraf was born in Thalassery in Kannur District to the late KP Abdul Shukkoor, who worked in a private firm, and T Fathima, a homemaker. After high school studies, he graduated in commerce. The life-altering moment in life came in the year 1984 when he began his career with The Continental Insurance Company in Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman. He started as Insurance Officer dealing with General Insurance, excluding life insurance. Later, the firm became the Oman National Insurance Company. With his hard work and dedication, Ashraf became the Branch Manager before it closed down in 1999.
From 2000 to 2015, Mr. Ashraf became the agency manager of New India Assurance, a towering insurance entity based in India. In 2016, Ashraf had to move to Takaful Oman Insurance S.A.O.G as Branch Manager. But in 2022, there was a management change in that company and he returned to New India Assurance as Business Development Manager in the Retail and Corporate Division. He was able to gain insight into the insurance sector all these decades. He found it a very competitive market with a total of 20 companies, including 11 national companies.
The New India Assurance was the first insurance firm from India to come to the Sultanate and since 1974, it has been experiencing growth with offices set up in almost all parts of the country. Today, it counts branches in Muscat, Seeb, Sohar, Sur, Salalah, Mabelah and Bahla. It is at the vanguard in offering and devising unique insurance products and services. They offer Project Insurance, Fire (property) Insurance, Personal Accident, Household Insurance, Workmen Compensation, Motor, Marine, Professional Indemnity, Public Liability Policy, Product Liability, Travel Insurance and Health Insurance.
In the Omani insurance sector, there are 20 general insurance companies and out of which 10 are national firms and the rest are foreign entities. New India is among the leaders of the foreign companies and has 34% market share, pointing to its credibility, stability and service edge. It has done a gross premium of 26 million OMR and its overall market share is 6% enjoying 7th position among the insurers when it comes to gross premium basis. In terms of net premium, it has the 4th position.
In this industry, Ashraf attributes his excellence to his mentor and godfather, James Boniface. From 1984 until now, he is the man behind his success in the insurance field. It would not be wrong to say that Mr. Ashraf has the last word in insurance as far as Salalah is concerned.
Awards and Accolades
Very much active in the social circuit of Salalah, Ashraf has won several accolades over the years. During his tenure with The New India Assurance Co, he consistently clinched the Best Performing Agency Award for 10 years successively. He was also feted for contributing to the highest volume of business at his company. This wizard in the insurance field has also attended numerous seminars, including one by a Bahrain-based firm while serving in Takaful Oman Insurance. He was also at the forefront in organizing client meetings at Crowne Plaza Salalah from 2000 to 2015. Ashraf was also honoured by the Indian School Salalah during its silver jubilee year.
The veteran NRI is also a member of the Indian Social Club Salalah and is active in all its programmes. He is also closely involved in all the cultural activities of the Malayalam wing of the club. He also volunteers to provide outpasses for overstaying Indian expatriates.
Family and Passions
Behind his successful journey is the unwavering support of his better half Sabeena who is a homemaker. A sports enthusiast who is passionate about badminton, she is also a culinary expert. The couple has two daughters. Shirin Ashraf is a postgraduate in Commerce from Stella Maris College, Chennai and she spearheads the events segment at Antara Mina Ras Al Khaima Resort in the UAE. The second daughter, Simran Ashraf, is a graduate in Travel and Tourism. She is a Pastry Chef at Al Fanar Hotel & Residences, a five-star facility in Salalah. Both the siblings are skilled in classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattom. Ashraf is passionate about music, cricket and badminton.
Contact Information
T Ashraf
Mobile: +968 99494798
Phone (office) +968 23295679
Fax +968 24838899
